Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) – Another Tim Burton Classic With a Surprising Cameo

November 04, 2016

to Read
(

Words)

When I saw the 2010 adaption of Alice in Wonderland, I walked away having thoroughly
enjoyed its playful imagination. While Alice in Wonderland is
one of the most famous fables in children’s literature, Lewis Carroll’s books
weren’t a part of my childhood. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the
popular animated film with the Disney brand. But considering the live-action
remake blended the Victorian era and steampunk culture, the combination was too
great to resist. This is why a sequel reuniting our favorite and spunky titular
heroine with her Wonderland friends was pure delight.

A few years have passed since Alice Kingsleigh (Mia
Wasikowska) discovered Wonderland, and in the process, she recaptured her
“muchness.” In that time, she returned to England where she assumed the command
of her father’s ship as its Captain. Now, Captain Alice Kingsleigh returns to
London after spending those four years at sea. Much has changed in her absence.

Most notable among these changes are the complications a
business deal involving her mother (Lindsay Duncan) has raised. Then, shortly
thereafter, she is summoned back to Wonderland on urgent business. Once she
returns, Alice finds her dear friend, Hatter (Johnny Depp) has fallen into a
dark depression, and soon after, the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) again
threatens Wonderland’s existence.

As with every film that puts Tim Burton in the director’s
chair, this one displays the unique trademarks as only his work can. His
cinematic imagination is incredible. Even if I were to watch this ten times
over, I don’t think I’d pick up on all of the nuances and touches that truly
make Burton’s Wonderland spring to life. The details of this world are
jaw-dropping, and the creative way it awakens is brilliance. Another incentive
to watch this film is the talented primary cast returning to their roles.

For me, everyone in this cast is perfection. I thought Mia
gave more to the role of Alice in this sequel than she did in the original
film. Whether it’s because she “settled” into the role or the script gave her
more to work with, I don’t know. She and Depp have a unique and captivating
chemistry that keeps us glued to the screen. In addition to Mia, Johnny and
Helena, Anne Hathaway (Mirana, the White Queen) and Alan Rickman (Absolem)
return. Plus, we meet newcomers Time (Sasha Baron Cohen) and James Harcourt
played by Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey).

Not only do we reunite with and meet these fascinating
characters, we also see Hattie Morahan (Sense & Sensibility),
Andrew Scott (Sherlock) in a brief role. Not to mention, Richard
Armitage. Needless to say, no matter the shamefully short screen time he has, I
was a squealing fangirl when I realized the person underneath the crown was
none other than Mr. Thornton. Call me biased, but obviously, I thought he
deserved a greater role.

Moving beyond my delight of fandoms colliding, the fact is
this: ‘Through the Looking Glass’ is an impressive masterpiece. The script
captures the delight Alice experiences when returning to Wonderland. The
message wrapped inside this is a precious one. Alice’s journey is all about
“time.” Revisiting the past, and discovering the present. Time (both as an
entity and the character) has a chasm of wisdom to impart, and though she’s
blind to it early on, Alice comes to learn the value of it. It’s a gift, it cannot be altered or bought. Time is the
one thing we should cherish because without it, life is joyless.

Visually, this is a masterpiece. The CGI is stunning and of
course, the settings, a spark of creative genius. What’s more, the costuming is
gorgeous. Alice, in particular, wears some neat ensembles. Her clothing is a
unique blend of steampunk and Victorian that not only suits her as a
character but the period as well. It’s a rare talent that can combine both
an attractive look that also fits the story. This one surpasses expectations.

If you like fantasy or unique fairy tales, see Alice Through the Looking Glass without haste.
It’s been a while since I saw Alice in Wonderland,
so I cannot say for sure, but my memory suggests I liked this sequel every bit
as much as it if not more than its prequel. The film recaptures a special magic
infrequent in films today. As if that weren’t enough, it also reminds us
of the importance of family. The heroine is feisty and fierce with an
independent streak probably not entirely realistic to this time period yet we
don’t care. We’re having too much fun getting lost in one of her adventures for
it to really matter.

10 comments:

Wonderful review, I really enjoyed reading it! I was also quite a fan of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and was always surprised to find out that so many people did not. I've yet to watch Alice Through the Looking Glass (!!), but I have been dying to, and your review is definitely encouraging me to do so soon. :)

Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read it, Jordan. I appreciate that. :)

Really!? I though 'Alice' was creative and perfectly suited for Burton's talents. The story is ideal for his cinematic visions. 'Looking Glass' is really quite good, Jordan, and I do think, perhaps I liked it better than the first. I'd love to know what you think when you see it! :)

I actually started the first one at a hotel while I was on a short trip with my sisters last week. Surprisingly, I was really enjoying it until the time I had to stop and get some sleep! I have the finish the first and watch this one - sounds just as good! Thanks for the amazing review, Rissi! And oh my goodness, Mr. Thornton is in it?!? All the more reason to watch. :)

Let me know if/when you finish the first and see this one, Bekah; I feel like these are the perfect stories for Burton's creative genius and as such, the talent that goes into them is evident. This one is indeed as good - if not better, than its prequel.

(And YES! I turned into a nutty fangirl when I realized this - all while watching it! ;D)

Hope you enjoy, Olivia! It really is a whimsical and fabulous production, and in my opinion better than its sequel. Also, it helps that Armitage makes an appearance albeit far too brief. Let me know what you think if you see it. :)

I'm not liking Johnny Depp too much these days, but I absolutely adore Mia Wasikowska, so I will definitely be seeing this. Alice was one of my favorite books growing up. Nothing can compare to the book, but Tim Burton comes pretty close!

He's never been my favorite actor, Kate, but he is fabulous in a role like this or the Pirates franchise. Mia is one I like fine depending on the role. She's actually MUCH better in this sequel than the first one.

I've not read the book (or not that I remember), but knowing the gist of the story suggests to me there's no one more suited than Burton to put these together. The imaginative details are off the charts amazing. :)

Have a thought? Don't be shy, go ahead and leave one... or two... or three! I reply to every comment. If you're new to the blog, please don't hesitate to introduce yourself and your blog - we love chatting around here!

Feedback and every comment is appreciated and read - I always leave a response; your opinions are respected and I ask that you show mine the same courtesy.

(If you post under “anonymous,” please leave a name. If you don't have a Google account, you can type your name into the Name/URL and if you have no site, just leave "URL" blank.)

If you are still reading my ramblings, thank you for following this little blog and for being one of its supporters. I’ve enjoyed getting to know each of you, friends!

Follow @rissi006

Copyright

Privacy

Finding Wonderland (RissiWrites.com) does not sell or trade your (user, reader) information nor do we share information with other. The exception being in the case of a third party giveaway host.
Our advertising companies (ads placed on RissiWrites.com) may collect some information when you visit our website, which we have no control over.